Source: Cagle.com
At the beginning of the year, our coaches shared with us the role that social networking can play in recruiting athletes. According to an article I read today, social networking is also used by 82% of admissions officers as well. The article goes on to state that Facebook profiles can “prejudice” admissions interviewers.
As instructors, you are dealing with students who have already been admitted to the university. While these stories address the role of social networking in students’ lives prior to entering a university, we are preparing students for life beyond the university. Just as profiles are being scrutinized by university representatives, potential employers are likely to do the same… and this is something we need to share with our students whenever possible. Remind them that the text, pictures, and links they post on sites like Twitter and Facebook can create a positive or negative image.
I’ve had a couple of firsthand experiences that I like to share when talking with students about professional online behavior. When I was an elementary teacher, I once checked out the Facebook profile of a practicum student with whom I was working, only to discover a photo of the student smoking marijuana! I also came across a Twitter profile at one point that contained shockingly explicit language and, upon further examination, found that the profile belonged to a teacher! Not only was it dissapointing to see these individuals engaged in such behaviors, but it was also shocking to see that it was on public display.
While it is a good idea for many reasons to adopt strict privacy settings when using social media, students should know this will not necessarily protect bad online behavior from becoming public. For more information, check out Protecting Reputations Online in Plain English. Here is a description of this excellent video:
This video discusses the long-term risks of sharing inappropriate information on the Web. It encourages viewers to “think before you click” and offers tips for being responsible with photos, video and stories. Point include:
- Why photos are permanent on the web
- Future consequences of sharing inappropriate info
- Tips for protecting reputations (personal and friends)
- What to do when inappropriate info is shared
